Daily Stop & Thinks

STOP AND THINK – Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself. (Leo Tolstoy, 19^th-20^th century Russian philosopher and writer)

It’s probably just human nature that at some point we wish we could write, say, or do something that would change the world. We see a need, and we think we could invent something to fill the need, or we could somehow inspire others to solve the problems of the world. Actually, of course, the best and only thing we can do is to change ourselves.

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed [changed] by the renewing of your mind. (Romans 12:2)

STOP AND THINK – He could have added fortune to fame, but caring for neither, he found happiness and honor in being helpful to the world. (Epitaph on George Washington Carver’s grave)

Carver was born into slavery in the mid 19^th century but became a noted American botanist and inventor before his death in the mid 20^th century. His story is a prime example of one who dedicated himself to learning and enriching the lives of others. His discoveries have benefitted society in many valuable ways. Are we finding our joy in doing good for others?

Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed (Proverbs 11:25). No one should seek their own good, but the good of others (1 Corinthians 10:24).

STOP AND THINK – A man is known by the company he keeps. (From an Aesop fable)

Aesop’s observation is a reminder of how important our relationships are. People are inclined to associate with others of similar backgrounds and interests. That can be either good or bad. In political campaigns, candidates are often judged unsuitable on the basis of their past associations. In all of life, we need to choose our friends carefully.

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” (1 Corinthians 15:33)

STOP AND THINK – My father always said, “Never trust anyone whose TV is bigger than their bookshelf.” (Emilia Clarke, British actress)

That’s probably an accurate, but sad, commentary on modern society. The joy of reading books, even though available in a variety of electronic devices, is fading. It’s too easy to watch the story on a wide screen. We can learn visually, of course, but when we do, we miss the nuances conveyed by a clever use of the written word.

Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matthew 4:4)

STOP AND THINK – The walls of hospitals have heard more prayers than the walls of churches. (Anonymous)

That’s a sad commentary on the level of spiritual life, isn’t it? People are inclined to look to God when life is threatened. During war they speak of “foxhole confessions,” when soldiers promise to serve God if He will just let them live. Is that all God is to us? A life preserver? An emergency first-aid kit? We would do better to seek God while we can.

Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near. (Isaiah 55:6)

STOP AND THINK – Work begins when the fear of doing nothing at all finally trumps the terror of doing it badly. (Alain de Botton, Swiss-British writer and TV presenter)

Some people procrastinate simply because they are fearful of not being able to do their work well. The fear of failure stymies them, and they are unable to do the job. Sometimes, however, they awaken to the fact that if they don’t at least start, nothing at all will happen. Doing nothing may be worse than doing something poorly. Are your fears stopping you?

You should mind your own business and work with your hands (1 Thessalonians 4:11). All hard work brings a profit (Proverbs 14:23).

STOP AND THINK – The best understanding of your equipment comes from using it. (Ken Duncan, (Australian professional photographer)

Duncan was speaking of photographic equipment. But the simple statement has many appropriate applications. A mountain climber must understand how to use his hiking equipment. A carpenter has been trained in the proper use of his tools. Living successfully requires knowing how to use the abilities God has given us.

All Scripture . . . is useful for teaching . . . and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

STOP AND THINK – Look not at what you have lost but at what you have left. (Robert Schuller, pastor and author)

Whether it’s losing a sporting event or having all of one’s possessions destroyed in a house fire, it’s often most difficult to regain a sense of well-being. Lingering too long on thoughts of the loss can result in a downward spiral that ends in depression. Difficult as it may be, Schuller’s advice is important. All is not lost; there is still a promising life to be lived.

 He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive. (Luke 20:38)

STOP AND THINK – Take away love and earth is a tomb. (Robert Browning, 19^th century English poet and playwright)

Browning seems to be quoting a song in his poem “Fra Lippo Lippi,” that laments a lover who let his loved one get away. According to the musical Carnival, “Love makes the world go ‘round.” And that certainly seems to characterize the modern conception of romantic love. When love is missing, life often becomes tedious and dreary. A fulfilling life needs true love.

How delightful is your love . . . my bride! How much more pleasing is your love than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume more than any spice! (Song of Songs 4:10)

STOP AND THINK – Happiness consists in giving, and in serving others. (Henry Drummond, 19^th century evangelist and writer)

Christmas was only a few weeks ago; do you remember the gifts you received and who gave them to you? More than likely, you remember what you gave to others. You may also have had opportunity during the holiday season to think of others more often and used those times to serve. If so, you’ve discovered what happiness really is.

But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, . . . and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving. (2 Corinthians 8:7)

STOP AND THINK – The avoidance of legitimate suffering means we also avoid the growth that problems demand of us. (Charles Swindoll, pastor and author)

No one likes to suffer; and we take precautions to avoid it. We want quick and immediate relief when pain comes our way. Sometimes our misery is the result of our own mistakes or indulgences. When that’s the case, we should make every effort to learn from our experience and avoid similar mistakes in the future. Pain provides valuable learning time.

[God] knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. (Job 23:10)

STOP AND THINK – The wise man does at once…what the fool does finally. (Baltasar Gracián, 17^th century Jesuit philosopher)

Often, when we’re faced with a difficult situation or one we don’t want to deal with, we put it off. It’s called procrastination—putting off doing something that should be done. Sometimes, that just makes things worse. Eventually, we have to do what we know we should have done all along. How much better to save time and heartache and do it right away.

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity. (Ephesians 5:15-16)